Questions for Authors/Creators + Promotion

Manyana 2021-06-23 03:56:49 UTC #1

I need to know that there are authors and creators out there just like me because I got stuck again. Honestly, I thought I was on track; I even asked for artists to make a promo chapter for my novel, but nothing happened because I got stuck!

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place? What was your initial plot? Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)? How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one? Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one? What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version? Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?

Here's my novel:

and the newly updated chapter:
https://tapas.io/episode/2203979?comment_id=13273648
I hope you find time to read it

IamKeeks 2021-06-23 12:41:20 UTC #2

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
It's been a hobby of mine since I was a kid, I never thought I could seriously do it, so It took me until now to start. I was seriously thinking about doing this for a while, but I was afraid to put one of my stories out there and have it fail, so I made a story on the same timeline that intersects briefly with the main plot of my narrative. As I was writing that one, I was developing the main character, Mora's past and personality. Mid-production I bought really nice software and realized that I'd have to start drawing from scratch because the quality jump was enormous, so I decided to produce the story of Mora's past instead.

What was your initial plot?
The initial plot is based on the common theme "man vs society." Society expects and teaches certain things and man must decide whether or not to follow.
My plot hasn't changed from what I planned for this comic. I started releasing it right after I finished the first chapter (which is why it's so draft-like). I've tried before to finalize works before publication, but I would never be satisfied because there were always ways to improve it. I decided to knock that wall down.

It seems to be working out so far. I'm barely making ends meet right now with my job, so I can't put as much time and effort as I'd like.

My plan is to get it done. If it's successful enough, I intend to release a finalized full color edition (maybe with a kickstarter). If not, move on to the next story.

Eiranyx 2021-06-23 15:25:08 UTC #3

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
I have actually been wanting to create a comic for a long time but I don't have enough 'push' for a motivation to actually make one. And like other artists, my initial plan is to build a following by creating fan arts then slowly lead them to my original work but that plan didn't go well with me. So I approached a different method, I decided to pitch my comic in a local publisher but it all changed the moment I saw that contest ad for webtoon making last year and it just so happened that I already had a rough draft for a story idea (because I always write my dreams and my dreams are the inspiration for my story) and I feel that submitting it on an international contest will be a worthwhile experience so I was like, 'well, it's scary because there will people who are way better than me but you know what? I'll just do it!" --- so I did.

What was your initial plot? Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)?
The initial plot of my webtoon is actually really dark and dramatic and the relationship dynamic of the two characters is overly toxic then slowly being better -- because it's omegaverse its usually something described as 'wild' 'raw' or 'sexual'. The Main lead was supposed to be obsessive and cold to the MC and the MC was supposed to change this beast of an ML into an actual human being. BUT I scrapped it off because I saw a lot of BL with that same dynamic and trope especially in Omegaverse setting and I'm getting pretty tired of it. Also It was because for me, darker themes are easier to write but then I thought, It's not unique enough for a contest entry, and I feel that it wasn't going to bring out my full potential if I stick with it. I wanted to at least stand out so I scrapped it all --- yes I scrap that idea and explored on the things that aren't usually found in the genre itself and approach it in a way that I'm very good at: "destroying people's 'expectations' XD" (lol jk) ---- what I meant by that is that I want something that will 'toy' with the reader's expectation of the plot due to the existing cliches then suddenly stab them with a plot twist on the upcoming events on the next chapter that will make them say "I wasn't expecting that at all" --- so I did that and rewrite almost everything including the character's backstories And that's how it became completely different from the comic that I published now.

How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one? Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?
The settings, and the opening didn't changed that much, I added a few scenes to adjust the pace by adding some scenes that will contribute to the build up the one that actually has the major changes are the character development plot, the flashbacks and relationships build up--- Which was originally they were supposed to be complete stranger but I changed it as something like yes they're strangers but are they? type of situation I also added a new concept of past plays a big role on their development as well and these additions are basically already in the middle of the story. And I would say, it is much better than the initial one because I got the result I wanted the moment I executed it in my webtoon.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version?
The storyline was supposed to start when my MC was still young and then suddenly something happened and then it will fade to the first scene where the MC woke up -- already captured and was about to be sold in the auction but I thought, it is too early to reveal my 'cards' to the reader and after reading the script it will be confusing -- so I changed it and put it somewhere in the middle. I also like to drop some hints that the MC forgotten his memories when he was still a child and it will be a good shock factor too when 'the truth' was revealed and people will be able to connect the dots.

Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
No I didn't regret it at all. it was the best decision I had -- because the idea and concept I decided to go with is pretty nice and aligns with what I want to execute and I realized I wanted to create something beautiful out of something dark like making it something that the plot even if it started of as dark, has something to look at the bright side. I want to make the little things that are thought of as something sweet can also be sexy like for example: asking consent~ and more importantly, because I like thrill of pulling my readers into the world and make them immersed to the point they will wonder what they think will happen in the next part.--- beside, there are works that I can use that initial idea as well, it just so happened that it won't fit the current genre of my comic.

lomcia 2021-06-23 16:48:18 UTC #4

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
I simply wanted to realise an idea that had formed in my head.

What was your initial plot?
Same, but instead of romance and drama it was an erotic comic.

Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)?
the main thread is the same. However, I added some additional characters and changed their appearance.

How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one?
well, it's changed a bit. the main character doesn't sleep with whoever she wants xD

Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?
Yes. Much better.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version?
I cut out most of the King's siblings, but that's because they just didn't fit in there.

Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
no, i don't regret it. i think the final version makes more sense.

My comic:

TheOddFungi 2021-06-23 19:37:31 UTC #5

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?

Long story short, I needed an escape and writing and art provided one. I created a few stories, the first of which I am now publishing on Tapas as a novel and am creating the comic counter-part. I want these stories to possibly be an escape for anyone else that may need them.

What was your initial plot?

Broody assassin with a chip on his shoulder meets sweet ditzy girl, becomes "good" and they fall in love, but he is tragically ripped away from her back to his organization. The heartbreak! dramatically falls on floor Oh, and there is a scary blood thirsty monster inside him that can't be controlled. (Ah, back in the day when this was a super popular trope and I was on Gaiaonline at all hours.) But she saves him with the power of love and they defeat the villain, who is evil just because they are, then they go home and live happily ever after and there are no consequences for all the lives he took. How romantic.
(Y'all I was like 13.)

How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one?

A lot. A whole heckin' lot. The basic idea is still there, like the assassin ending up in love with a 'normal' girl and stuff but like...not written by a 13 year old. There's a lot more maturity and the tropes being used have been refined with a lot more depth. I used to throw in twists for the shock factor that made no sense, like my assassin suddenly finding out he has a clone! Yeah no, that's not in the refined version.

Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?

Oh, absolutely.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version?

There isn't really one that I wish is included. The original lacked a lot of depth and so there really isn't anything I am missing.

Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?

Nope. I am glad I am to this point with it. I've put a lot of work and love into this story. I hope others enjoy it.

Fuzzyman818 2021-06-23 19:46:38 UTC #6

Well, originally my comic was supposed to be a homage to the classic Mad Magazine strip, Spy vs Spy. But over the years, I think it really my stance on what America's foreign policy has been for the last several years. Just wing it with out a real plan in mind or an exit strategy for the matter. It really started out with a simple concept, two men battle it out for a flag on just one strip, but I'm starting to expand it more into telling more of a story. I'm actually really proud of how well it's doing on here and I might even share it on more platforms in the near future.

diamondactor 2021-06-23 19:49:45 UTC #7

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
I like reading and writing.

What was your initial plot?
A story about a werewolf full of really bad clichés to be honest.

Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)?
Very different.

How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one?
Almost everything. Still have a werewolf, but it became a special type called "The Full Moon King". Has gods prophecies war and afterlife.

Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?
Way better not nearly as cringe as my high school writing.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version?
I had a different action packed ending, but it didn't work. I found a more subtle one that allows for a sequel.

Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
No, I prefer this version now.

My comic and the novelization (Tapas, webtoon , pop comic):

iamvcdgamer 2021-06-23 23:19:16 UTC #8

What made me create my novel/ comics in the first place?
Since I was little, I've always loved drawing and anime. While I was in boarding school, I got so bored that i decided to write down a story that formed in my head. Before I knew it i had written my first chapter. While I was writing, I slowly built up an audience which grew into a school fanbase. I eventually stopped in order to focus on my studies, but now that I'm out of school, i decided to give the story: "Those Days In Space" a shot.

What was my initial plot?
The initial plot was to have a protagonist with a team of space rangers protect the universe as well as fight space wars, go on adventures and exploration of various planets. I focused on a small scale alien invasion on my first draft. When i found out it worked, i decided to refine the story and set up its pacing. It seems to be working well so far, given how i have university assignments and projects to work on.
My plan is to upload a chapter once a month, that would give me enough time to release chapters at a steady pace.

KUUPID 2021-06-24 00:06:08 UTC #9

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
To be honest, I was literally bored out of my mind because of lockdown xD I had started a part of my novel but with school, I had held it off. I always wanted to finish it but just never had the time for it Fortunately (more like, unfortunately), covid hit and I had a bit more time on my hands to actually sit down and write. ^^

What was your initial plot? Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)? How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one?
My initial plot was supposed to be a simple, office romance novel with little to no drama. It's totally different now. There's more drama/ plot twists than I initially anticipated. Of course, romance is still a huge factor of the story, but the whole revenge plot takes precedence over other themes (especially with season 2).

Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?
Honestly, I have no idea. I'm sure there's still some aspects I'll want to change later on, but for now, I'm pretty happy with it.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version?
There was a part of the story where one of the "supporting" characters was supposed to have a bigger role in helping cracking down the murder mystery of the MC's mother... But it just sort of made the whole thing more complicated than necessary and it didn't really fit with the overall plot twist that was to be revealed. I've somehow remedied the problem, but I still regret not giving him a bigger role. T^T

Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
No, not really. The initial plan didn't have much of a revenge plot to work off of and just seemed pretty bland. The original plot was just another romance novel about two people falling in love while working together. Now, it's more entertaining for me to write my story because I get to come up with all kinds of plot twists and dramatic scenes! And I have an excuse to watch K-dramas for the sole purpose of "research" xD

TL_Nonoke 2021-06-24 22:15:13 UTC #10

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
I've always loved stories and wanted to tell my own.

What was your initial plot?
I got fed up with every Chinese manhua I'd ever read about FLs who were doctor assassins who isekai'd and wanted to tell my version...without revenge being the mainstay.

Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)? How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one? Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?
My plot evolution was super organic. I don't write sequentially, but in scenes, and then I bridge the gaps to connect within an arc. My characters often took control and did something unexpected. One of the characters became more minor and one became more major. You'll see in my extra chapters (pffft) they all gave me a lot of trouble. I do think the final product is better than what I started with.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version? Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
Things that I couldn't fit into the main storyline, but wanted to include ended up in my extras.

Here's my novel! Good luck with getting inspired and moving again with your writing!

WoollyPAR 2021-06-25 07:00:29 UTC #11

What made you create your comic in the first place?

Well, at the time I was really interested in making my own stories, and I knew I wanted to make a comic for a while. I was very inspired by JoJo's Bizarre Adventure to do something with art, but I needed a little extra push to get me going. That's when I started watching a lot of videos about art, then about comics, and then videos about how to get started on making your own comic. With every video on the subject, I grew more tempted to do something. So I did.

What was your initial plot?

To answer that and the rest of the questions at once: It hasn't changed TOO much, but the idea at first was a story about these middle school girls with superpowers who like saving cats and it starts out as a slice of life but becomes darker and more upsetting as it continues. It's still about girls who like saving cats, but they do other stuff too, and they're in high school, it's no longer a slice of life, it gets spooky earlier on, and some smaller stuff. I'd explain all the changes I've made, but a lot of them get into spoiler territory. I definitely think the current version is better than the original. I regret dropping some ideas I liked, but nothing I can't do in another story or share with people after the story ends.

Oto_Kouda 2021-06-25 07:58:46 UTC #12

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
I was frustrated with reverse harems and how forced they sometimes seem. I got tired of the same goody two-shoes MCs I saw, and I got tired of the same super-perfect leads who all have the ability to MAGICALLY TELEPORT when the female lead's in trouble.

So I decided to destroy the genre and recreate it from the ground up from the POV of the male leads, along with the villainess.

What was your initial plot?
It was initially gonna be a simple reverse harem story, but the twist was gonna be that the narrator is the second male lead who never gets the girl. Think Jacob Black from Twilight or Seojun from True Beauty. It'd end sadly with him not getting the girl, but you'd get to follow him in the story rather than the female lead.

Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)?
It's COMPLETELY different. Now I've got multiple narrators, an entirely different (and planned out~) ending, along with a much lighter tone for the story—with the exception of backstories.

How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one?
Everything from the tone, the characterizations, to even the addition of music I'm composing! It was gonna be an anti-romance story I'd write to spite reverse harems, but I started getting attached to certain characters. The next thing I knew, the story had a life of its own.

Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one?
It's much better. I almost wrote an edgy psychological tragic harem. Instead, it's a...bittersweet harem-like story with the occasional comedy, kind of like how Fruits Basket is.

What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version?
None. I've got a few intertwining storylines I've written out that I'm fleshing out as the story goes on. I like it when people theorize, so I spent a long time writing some of these out ahead of time so that I could spend more time foreshadowing them.

Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
Nope!

And if you're not down to read it, vibe to the soundtrack~

LinQ 2021-06-25 08:36:49 UTC #13

I feel like it's the curse of the novelist to overthink. When we start it's as simple as putting down a ton of ideas and feeling really excited. Only after some time passes does the doubt start kicking in

We all get stuck all the time so you're not alone on that. Ok on to the questions.

What made you create your novel/comics in the first place?
I've always been super into film. I wrote down this idea for a short film one day and just started expanding on it. I added more characters, more details then I thought "this should be a series of movies" (at this point I had given up on actually being able to make it). Eventually it got so large and sprawling that I decided it needs to be a novel. My first few drafts read like screenplays with no description at all... They were terrible . I don't see it as a series of movies anymore I really think a novel is the best form for me to tell this story.

What was your initial plot? Is your initial plot and what you had in mind before creating your novel/comics the same or different from what is posted now in Tapas (or other platforms)? How much has changed from the initial to the finalized one? Do you think the finalized one is better than the initial one? What storyline in your initial plot/draft is cut off from the finalized one that you wish is included, but doesn't make sense in the finalized version? Do you regret not going with the initial, original piece?
Alright I decided to take all of these together since they're about initial plot vs finalized plot. My initial plot and final one don't differ that much. I would say I added a loooot more details to the final one and kind of wrapped it all up to make sense. My story's growth was fairly linear - I had an initial idea and just kept adding to it. I think that happened because I started with it as a movie idea. Movies can have a certain degree of open endedness or ambiguity but novels can't do that as much I guess so just the process of shifting over to a novel made me think of a lot of things and add all sorts of details.

So yeah I definitely think the finalized plot works a lot better than the initial one and I have no regrets. As for cut storylines I do have one. There was this whole "sidequest" exploring a certain region and I came up with a situation, a new character, all sorts of things. But once I changed certain key details I realized that the main hook for that sidequest just didn't make sense at all. I'm kind of sad about that because I started to really like the new character I made specifically for that story thread. I'm considering bringing her back in a later chapter as a sort of cameo just for myself